The automobile industry is never short of innovation. All manufacturers strive to give their customers the best driving experience whether it is through technology or new accessories. One of the newest innovations in this industry is the electrochromic or smart glass roof. This innovative feature can turn your glass roof into 99% opaque on a single push. It also comes in other variations, such as translucent or star themed.
Let’s discuss electrochromic panoramic roofs in more detail.
What is a Smart Glass Roof?
The smart glass roofs allow control intensity of light from transparent, shaded, to completely opaque. It uses an electric charge to function in the desired way. The technology is integrated not only in roofs but windows also. This industry standard is set up by Mercedes and McLaren but will be available in other models in near future.
Working Principle of Electrochromic (Smart Glass)
Electrochromic glass for cars is manufactured in a different manner. It is coated with five different layers or coatings which are thinner than human hair. These layers contain transparent conductors, electrochrome, ion conductor and counter electrode.
It is then framed and installed in vehicles.
When an electric charge is provided to glass, lithium ions and electrons travel from one layer to another making it transparent, translucent or opaque. Reversing the polarity brings electrons and ions to their original layer making the glass transparent again.
Why Smart Roof
The usage of smart roofs and windows is not limited to light control only. It can be used for many other purposes and provide a positive driving experience. Here we have enlisted some other uses of smart roofs and windows.
Increases Privacy
Proper sun shading is a difficult job, it requires different tinted pieces for every glass in the car. Spider nets for the rear windows, retractable shade for sunroofs and tinted windows, smart glass roof and windows exempt all the hassle. It can provide complete privacy to the passengers by getting opaque. However, read about car tinting window rules and regulations in the UAE before you opt for tinting.
Dynamic Advertising Surface
Smart glass technology is also used as an advertisement surface. When the glass is opaque it becomes a high-definition projection surface that can be used for advertisements. It can show timely ads, content and even safety messages.
Entertainment
Electrochromic car windows and roofs are capable of changing the in-car experience drastically. These glasses can be converted into digital displays, screens and interactive surfaces increasing features of the infotainment system inside the vehicle.
Open-Air Experience
It is nearly impossible to drive in the open air during the daytime in the UAE. Electrochromic window tint can provide an open air experience without increasing heat under the vehicle. The glasses can control intensity and glare providing an open air experience.
Smart Glass and Solar Energy
The usage of air conditioning in the UAE is necessary to maintain a cosy cabin environment. Solar heat is the biggest reason behind the rise in parked car’s temperature. Almost 52% of the total heat in a parked car is due to solar energy. Usage of smart glass technology can reduce this impact on cars The completely opaque windows and the sunroof will reflect sunlight maintaining the temperature of the car. It can create a difference of 10𝆩. This will also increase the fuel efficiency of cars, as it will take less time to cool down the cabin. Therefore, parking under shade tops the list of fuel efficient driving techniques.
Future of Smart Glass
Mercedes is the pioneer of smart roofs in cars, and currently, the technology is patented by their research company. However, many other manufacturers are claiming to provide this technology in their future models. Electric vehicles can use this technology like a solar cell, which will absorb sunlight rather than reflect it. Although it will only increase the electric vehicle capacity to a few km, it will be a revolutionary step for electric vehicles.
This was all about the electrochromic glass roof usage in the automotive industry. Due to high manufacturing costs, it is only available in a few luxury cars. However, in the near future, the technology will be widely used in sedans and electric vehicles. Till then you can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE, with smart glass technology.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on innovative technology.
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